Lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status in rat: effect of food restriction and wheel running

Using the activity-based anorexia model, the aim of this investigation was to explore antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase, superoxide dismutase), total antioxidant status (TAS), and alpha-tocopherol in blood, liver, and gastrocnemius muscle associated with the food restriction and voluntary wheel running during 8 days. In addition, lipid peroxidation was measured by measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA). Wistars rats (n = 56) were randomly assigned to one of four groups: an ad lib sedentary group, a control wheel activity group, a food restriction-induced hyperactivity group (1 h/day ad lib food, 23 h/day ad lib wheel access), and a food-restricted sedentary group. The animals were killed when the rats in the food-restricted group had lost 25% of their free feeding weight. Antioxidant enzyme activities and TAS in blood, liver, and gastrocnemius muscle were unaffected by voluntary wheel running. A wheel activity effect (P < 0.05) was obtained for the MDA concentrations in plasma, with lower concentrations in trained animals. Food restriction effects were obtained for antioxidant capacity in liver, as well as for CAT activity in the gastrocnemius muscle and plasma MDA concentrations with lower values in the restricted animals. On the other hand, the food-restricted rats showed higher plasma TAS concentrations (P < 0.05) and higher alpha-tocopherol concentrations in the liver (P < 0.05) when compared to animals fed ad libitum. Our results also showed that food restriction coupled to wheel running decreased antioxidant parameters in liver, and plasmatic MDA concentrations and increased TAS plasma concentrations when compared to the ad libitum sedentary situation.     

Ovine malignant theileriosis: The status of antioxidant vitamins, serum lipid profile, lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte antioxidant defense

In order to investigate more aspects of the erythrocytic antioxidant defense and the lipid content of the serum during ovine malignant theileriosis, 50 Iranian fat-tailed sheep, about 1–2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria lestoquardi, were selected and divided into three subgroups according to their parasitemia rates (< 1%, 1–3%, 3–5%). Also, ten non-infected sheep served as controls. Blood samples were collected, and hematological parameters, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), gluthatione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase, osmotic fragility of the RBCs, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) as an index of lipid peroxidation, phosphatidylserine, antioxidant vitamins (A, E and C) and the concentrations of serum lipid composition (cholesterol, triglyceride and lipoproteins including HDL, LDL and VLDL cholesterol) were measured. A significant decline in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and also remarkable increases in the concentration of MDA, osmotic fragility and phosphatidylserine were evident in infected sheep, along with significant correlations with the hematological parameters. The results showed that the antioxidant agents could be important factors in the prevention of erythrocytic membrane damage during parasitemia. In addition, the unaltered level of antioxidant vitamins in the infected animals showed that such vitamins did not elicit effective responses to the oxidative damages. The level of the major lipid components of the serum remained unchanged during infection, which implied that the infection with T. lestoquardi did not induce important changes in lipid metabolism, and these components are unlikely to have a major role in the process of anemia. In conclusion, the antioxidant defense of the RBCs has a considerable role to prevent the occurrence of anemia in malignant ovine theileriosis.     

A study on the antioxidant defense system of psoriasis patients in the ethnic population of Kashmir-India

The study was designed to evaluate the role of antioxidant defense system in the etiology of psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder of complex etiology and pathology. Hospital-based case–control study was carried out in major referral hospital in Kashmir, North India. Cases (N?=?40) were composed of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and controls (N?=?20) were healthy volunteers. Study included estimation in plasma of both patients and controls of glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and total antioxidant potential (AOP) as indices of antioxidant defense system and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation (LP), an indicator of oxidative stress. The GSH levels, SOD activity, AOP, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma of psoriasis patients were 2.58?±?0.22 μM/l, 5.24?±?0.69 U/ml, 0.020?±?.011?nmol^?1/ml?h, and 0.88?±?0.20 nmol/ml and were 4.76?±?0.52 μM/l, 4.14?±?0.56U/ml, 0.042?±?0.018 nmol^?1/ml?h, and 0.53?±?0.16 nmol/ml in healthy voluntary controls, respectively. A significant decrease in GSH levels (p?<?0.005) and AOP (p?<?0.005) and significant increase in SOD activity (p?<?0.01) MDA levels (p?<?0.005) as an indicator of LP was observed.     

Levels of malondialdehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals in bovine liver biopsy

The present study was designed to elucidate if ethionine administration could be used to induce hepatic lipoperoxidation in cattle, as indicated by the increase concentrations of the lipid peroxidation products, malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HAE) in the hepatic tissues. Five cows were injected intraperitoneally with dl-ethionine (12.5 mg/kg body weight). Liver biopsy specimens were collected at the 0, 4th, 7th and 10th day after ethionine administration, and were used for measuring hepatic lipid peroxidation products (MDA and 4-HAE) levels and for histopathological examination. Statistical analysis was carried out by comparing data from days 4, 7 and 10 with those from day 0. Different degrees of cell swelling and glycogen degeneration were developed in the liver tissues on days 4, 7 and 10 after ethionine administration. The results revealed significant increases in hepatic lipid peroxidation products (p?<?0.05) on day 7. In the experimental model system described in this study, dl-ethionine administration was effective in inducing hepatic lipoperoxidation in cattle as indicated by altered concentrations of hepatic lipid peroxidation products and by histopathological examination of liver biopsies.     

Association of serum bilirubin with oxidant damage of human atherosclerotic plaques and the severity of atherosclerosis

Bilirubin has protective effects against atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases hypothetically due to its antioxidant–antilipoperoxidative properties. Thus, we investigated whether serum bilirubin is associated with oxidant damage, namely lipid peroxidation, of human atherosclerotic plaques and the severity of atherosclerosis. In this regard, we correlated the levels of serum total bilirubin (STB), direct (conjugated) bilirubin (SDB) and indirect (unconjugated) bilirubin (SIB) with those of fluorescent damage products of lipid peroxidation (FDPL) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) of 32 endarterectomy-derived carotid atherosclerotic plaques. Moreover, we compared the levels of serum bilirubin and plaque lipoperoxides between two groups of patients of the study population with different severity of atherosclerosis as judged by the carotid stenosis degree, i.e., <90% (group A, n = 23) and ≥90% (group B, n = 9). Remarkably, the levels of STB were strongly inversely correlated with those of plaque FDPL (rS = ?0.70, P < 0.0001) and LOOH (rS = ?0.66, P < 0.0001), as were those of SIB (FDPL: rS = ?0.68, P < 0.0001; LOOH: rS = ?0.63, P < 0.0001). SDB had a weaker association with plaque FDPL (rS = ?0.41, P < 0.05) and LOOH (rS = ?0.35, P < 0.05). Moreover, the levels of STB, SDB and SIB were lower and those of plaque lipoperoxides higher in group B than in group A, pointing to the association of serum bilirubin and plaque oxidant burden with the severity of atherosclerosis. In conclusion, lowered serum bilirubin is associated with oxidant damage of human atherosclerotic plaques and the severity of atherosclerosis.     

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of the methanolic extract of Cassia singueana Delile (Fabaceae) Lock leaves

The antioxidant activity of Cassia singueana Delile (Fabaceae) Lock methanol leaf extract was investigated in vivo and in vitro using malondialdehyde (MDA) test, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) photometric assays. The leaves have been of interest to researchers because of its use in the treatment of various disease conditions in Nigerian traditional medicine. C. singueana leaf extract gave a significant (P?<?0.05) dose-dependent increase in antioxidant power with the FRAP assay. The DPPH assay showed 66% antioxidant activity at 400?μg/ml of the crude extract but ascorbic acid showed 79% at the same concentration. All doses (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0?g/kg) of the extract exhibited significant (P?<?0.05) reduction in MDA value of test rats compared to control from the onset of the investigation up to day?56. Thereafter, the extract showed no protective activity against lipid peroxidation. These findings demonstrate that the extract has antioxidant effects on experimental models and validate its use in Nigerian traditional medicine for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Even in its crude form, the effects were comparable to that of ascorbic acid, a compound with proven antioxidant activity. This finding suggests that the extract could be a potential source of a novel antioxidant.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tetracarpidium conophorum</Emphasis> ameliorates oxidative reproductive toxicity induced by ethanol in male rats

Background

Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull. Arg.) Hutch. & Dalz is one of the many medicinal plants used for ages in folklore as male fertility enhancers. The current study evaluates the effect of the plant leaf extract on alcohol - induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Methods

Thirty rats were randomly divided into six groups of five animals each; Group 1 (positive control) received normal saline only; Group 2 (ethanol alone) were given only 30 % ethanol orally at 7 ml/kg body weight per day, thrice in a week; Group 3, 4, 5 were given ethanol and co-treated with 50 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight of leaf extract respectively while Group 6 were given ethanol and co-treated with a fertility drug, clomiphene citrate. All the drugs were given daily and the experiment lasted for twenty one consecutive days.

Results

Alcohol ingestion resulted in a significant (p?<?0.05) decrease in water, food intake and marked elevation of lipid peroxidation as assessed by the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the reproductive tissues. Precisely, MDA level was elevated in the testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland by 81 %, 63 %, 95 % and 91 %, respectively. Furthermore, levels of total protein, reduced glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and activities of antioxidant enzymes in the reproductive tissues were significantly (p?<?0.0001) reduced in ethanol-ingested rats. Interestingly, co-administration of T. conophorum with ethanol led to almost complete inhibition of lipid peroxidation thereby enhancing antioxidant status of the reproductive tissues.

Conclusion

Overall, T. conophorum ameliorates oxidative reproductive toxicity induced by ethanol in male rats and its ameliorative effect comparable well with the fertility drug, clomiphene citrate.

     

The effect of regular exercise on antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation levels in both hippocampi after occluding one carotid in rat

Regular exercise has beneficial effects on cerebrovascular diseases; however, its biochemical mechanisms are not fully known. The purpose of this study was to determine antioxidant enzyme activities and lipid peroxidation of both hippocampi after applying exercise followed by occluding one common carotid. Wistar rats were divided into four groups of control, exercise, hypoperfusion and exercise–hypoperfusion (exe-hypo). In the exercise and exe-hypo groups, the rats were forced to run on a treadmill for 1 h a day for 2 months. The right common carotid of the animals in the (exe-hypo) group was occluded after the cessation of exercise. Surgery without occlusion of the carotid was applied on the control (without exercise) and exercise groups. All animals were sacrificed 1 and 24 h after surgery. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzyme activities in the hippocampi were measured. A significant interaction was observed between the exercise and hypoperfusion in both hippocampi (p < 0.05). In comparison with the control group, there was significant elevation of catalase activity in the right and left hippocampus of the hypo group at 24 h (p < 0.0001). Regarding the differences between the hemispheres, there was a significant increase in MDA and decrease in catalase activity in the left hippocampus in hypoperfusion group, but the exercise in the exe-hypo group succeeded in abolishing these alterations which were caused by hypoperfusion, This study shows that exercise pre-conditioning prevents some alterations in brain oxidant–antioxidant status which are induced by cerebral hypoperfusion. Further studies are needed in order to clarify the mechanism of exercise.     

The effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) on bull spermatozoa frozen in two different extenders

This study evaluated the protective effect of butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), a lipid-soluble antioxidant against cryopreservation damage on bull spermatozoa. Four BHT concentrations (0.5, 1, 2 and 4?mM) were evaluated. Sperm characteristics were evaluated when BHT was added to a post-thaw–freezing extender by measuring the degree of sperm lipid peroxidation (using malondialdehyde, MDA) and by measuring parameters such as motility and viability of spermatozoa. Production of MDA as an indicator of lipid peroxidation was obtained when BHT ranged from 0.5 to 1?mM in both extenders (P?<?0.0001). Sperm motility and viability evaluated immediately after thawing was higher in BHT-treated spermatozoa, this was significant (P?<?0.001) when the freezing egg yolk–citrate extender was supplemented with 0.5 and 1?mM BHT and when egg yolk–Tris extender was supplemented with 0.5?mM BHT. The addition of 0.5 and 1?mM BHT to semen egg yolk–citrate extender increased the viability of frozen semen after thawing (P?<?0.007). The addition of 0.5 and 1?mM BHT to both extenders resulted in a significant (P?<?0.0001) decrease in MDA production. In conclusion, the addition of BHT to freezing egg yolk–citrate extender improved the overall efficiency of thawed bull spermatozoa, but the addition of BHT to the freezing egg yolk–Tris extender did not.     

Vitamin combinations reduce oxidative stress and improve antioxidant status in patients with iron deficiency anemia

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether oxidative stress occurs at the clinical onset of iron deficiency anemia and to find the influence of iron therapy and antioxidant vitamins on the oxidative stress parameters. A comparison was made with two other categories of anaemia, pernicious anaemia and haemolytic anaemia that are not characterized with iron deficiency. Oxidative stress was measured through the level of plasma lipid peroxidation (MDA) and the activities of ceruloplasmin (CP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); important extracellular and intracellular antioxidants. Significantly increased lipid peroxidation was demonstrated in the plasma of patients with iron deficiency anemia (P=0.005). While the activity of erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme GSH-Px remained unaltered, SOD was significantly decreased (P <0.05), CAT and plasma CP were significantly increased (P <0.001). Repletion of iron deficient patients with iron promotes oxidative stress: MDA was found to remain high, the activities of SOD and GSH-Px remained lower and CAT remained very high as before iron treatment. When iron deficient patients were treated with iron along with the antioxidant vitamins A, E and C, the oxidative stress was reduced and the activity of SOD was normalized. The combination of Vitamins A+E and Vitamin C is more effective than Vitamin C in reversing antioxidant status. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that increased oxidative stress is present in patients with iron deficiency anemia which appears to be compromised by imbalance in antioxidant defense systems. The repletion of iron deficient patients with iron promotes the oxidative stress. Patients with iron deficiency anemia after iron treatment actually are at risk of oxidative injury. Iron in the presence of the antioxidant vitamins A+E and ascorbic acid reduced the oxidative stress.     

Protective effect of Phyllanthus niruri against cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Phyllanthus niruri (Euphorbiaceae) is a popular plant in folk medicine, whole plant, fresh leaves, and fruits are used in the treatment of various diseases. In the present study, nephroprotective potential of aqueous extract of P. niruri was investigated against cyclosporine A (CsA) induced changes in kidney of Wistar rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced by oral administration of CsA (25 mg/kg/b.w.) dissolved in olive oil for a period of 21 days. Nephrotoxicity induced rats were treated with aqueous extract of P. niruri (200 mg/kg/b.w.) for a period of 21 days. Levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, renal marker enzymes in serum and different enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation products, as well as ATPases in kidney homogenates were measured in normal, control (toxicity induced), and P. niruri treated rats. Histopathological studies were also been carried out. Administration of CsA increased the serum levels of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase thereby indicating damage to kidneys. Increased lipid peroxidation and a decrease in antioxidants enzymes were observed in toxicity-induced rats. The levels of membrane-bound ATPases were also significantly altered. Upon administration of P. niruri, the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen and also lipid peroxidation were found to be markedly reduced. Renal antioxidant defense systems, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities and reduced glutathione, and vitamins e and c, depleted by cyclosporine A, were restored to normalcy by treatment with the extract. The drug also effectively attenuated renal dysfunction and normalized the altered renal morphology and also restored the activities of renal ATPases. The results suggest that the nephroprotective effect of P. niruri could be due to the inherent antioxidant and free-radical scavenging principle(s) contained in the extract. In conclusion, our study indicates that P. niruri through its antioxidant activity effectively salvaged CsA induced nephrotoxicity.     

Exercise training protects against contraction-induced lipid peroxidation in the diaphragm

Endurance exercise training promotes a small but significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activity in the costal diaphragm (DIA) of rodents. It is unclear if these training-induced improvements in muscle antioxidant capacity are large enough to reduce oxidative stress during prolonged contractile activity. To test the hypothesis that training-related increases in DIA antioxidant capacity reduces contraction-induced lipid peroxidation, we exercise trained adult female Sprague-Dawley (n?=?7) rats on a motor-driven treadmill for 12?weeks at ≈ 75% maximal O₂ consumption (90?min/day). Control animals (n?=?8) remained sedentary during the same 12-week period. After training, DIA strips from animals in both experimental groups were excised and subjected to an in vitro fatigue contractile protocol in which the muscle was stimulated for 60?min at a frequency of 30?Hz, every 2?s, with a train duration of 330?m. Compared to the controls, endurance training resulted in an increase (P?P?相似文献   

Effect of curcumin on kidney histopathological changes,lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity of serum in sodium arsenite-treated mice

Sodium arsenite is an environmental pollutant with the ability to generate free radicals and curcumin acts as a potent antioxidant. This study investigates the effect of curcumin on kidney histopathology, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of serum in the mice treated with sodium arsenite. Adult male mice were divided into four groups: control, sodium arsenite, curcumin and curcumin + sodium arsenite. The treatments were delivered for 5 weeks. After the treatment period, blood samples were collected and the concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity of serum were determined. Left kidney was dissected, weighed and used for histopathological and histomorphometrical studies. Sodium arsenite-treated mice showed a significant decrease in the diameter of glomerulus and proximal tubule, glomerular area, total antioxidant capacity of serum as well as a significant increase in serum concentration of MDA compared to the control group. However, no significant difference was found in kidney weight, area and diameter of Bowman's capsule as well as the diameter of distal tubule in mice treated with sodium arsenite compared to the control. In curcumin + sodium arsenite group, curcumin significantly reversed the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on the diameter of glomerulus and proximal tubule, glomerular area, total antioxidant capacity of serum and serum concentration of MDA compared to the sodium arsenite group. The application of curcumin alone significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity of serum compared to the control. Curcumin compensated the adverse effects of sodium arsenite on kidney tissue, lipid peroxidation and total antioxidant capacity of serum.     

Oxidant/antioxidant balance and trace elements status in sheep with liver cystic echinococcosis

This study aimed to determine the trace elements and oxidative stress markers as contributory factors causing liver injury and erythrocyte destruction in sheep with liver cystic echinococcosis. In comparison to healthy control, the index of serum lipid peroxidation assessed by the malonyldialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly (P?<?0.001) higher and the concentrations of serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and trace elements (zinc, copper, and iron) were significantly (P?<?0.001) lower in sheep with liver cystic echinoccocosis. No significant differences were observed for erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase activities between infected and healthy groups. In infected sheep, a significant positive correlation of MDA with aspartate transaminase (AST) (r?=?0.636, P?=?0.000) and erythrocyte GPx (r?=?0.373, P?=?0.043) was observed. By contrast, serum MDA concentration was negatively correlated with the values of TAS (r?=??0.559, P?=?0.001) and packed cell volume (PCV; r?=??0.473, P?=?0.008). On the other hand, there was a significant negative correlation between serum TAS concentration and the levels of AST (r?=??0.433, P?=?0.017) and MDA (r?=??0.559, P?=?0.001). By contrast, serum TAS was positively correlated with the value of PCV (r?=?0.728, P?=?0.000). From the present study, it was concluded that cystic echinococcosis in sheep is associated with oxidative stress. The resulting oxidative stress seems to have a role in the injury of hepatocytes and erythrocytes.     

Acute-phase proteins and oxidative stress biomarkers in water buffalo calves subjected to transportation stress

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the transportation stress on water buffalo calves. A total of 50 buffalo calves (8?±?1 months old, 165?±?13 kg) were assigned to one of two equal groups; the first group represented clinically healthy non-transported calves (control non-transported group; n?=?25) whereas calves of the second group were subjected to transportation (transported group; n?=?25). Blood samples were collected from control non-transported calves and from transported calves immediately after unloading (post-transportation). The present findings indicated that the examined hematological and biochemical parameters were not significantly (P?≤?0.05) changed in transported calves when compared with the control non-transported group. Furthermore, serum concentration of the investigated acute-phase proteins (APP) namely, haptoglobin (0.37?±?0.01), serum amyloid A (75.43?±?2.11), and fibrinogen (7.51?±?0.25) were significantly (P?≤?0.05) higher in transported calves when compared with control calves (0.1?±?0.01 g/l, 23.9?±?0.56 mg/l, and 4.2?±?0.16 g/l), respectively. Lipid peroxidation represented as malonaldhyde (56.78?±?3.42) was higher significantly (P?≤?0.05), whereas antioxidant biomarkers in the form of nitric oxide (17.68?±?0.89) levels, and activities of superoxide dismutase (7.37?±?0.53) and reduced glutathione (5.25?±?0.95) were lower significantly (P?≤?0.05) in the serum of transported calves when all were compared with the control group (24.68?±?0.19 nmol/g Hb, 21.80?±?0.24 mmol/ml, 9.24?±?0.1 U/g Hb, and 7.23?±?0.21 mmol/l), respectively. Conclusively, the present study demonstrated that transportation were significantly enough to trigger changes in APP and oxidative stress biomarkers in buffalo calves.     

Age-related changes in antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation in brains of control and transgenic mice overexpressing copper-zinc superoxide dismutase

The aim of our study was first to obtain a comprehensive profile of the brain antioxidant defense potential and peroxidative damage during aging. We investigated copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), seleno-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), glutathione reductase (GSSG-R) activities, endogenous and in vitro stimulated lipid perxidation in 40 brains of control mice divided into 3 age groups: 2 months (young), 12 months (middle-aged) and 28 months (old). We found a positive correlation between age and activities of CuZnSOD (r = 0.47); P < 0.01) and GSH-PX (r = 0.72; P < 0.0001). CuZnSOD and GSH-PX activities are independently regulated during brain aging since temporal changes of these two enzymes do not correlate. No modification in MnSOD activity and basal lipid peroxidation was observed as a function of age. Nevertheless, stimulated lipid peroxidation was significantly higher at 12 months (6.53 ± 0.71 μmole MDA/g tissue) thatn at 2 months (5.69 ± 0.90) and significantly lower than 28 months (5.13 ± 0.33) than at 12 months.Second, we used genetic manipulations to construct transgenic mice that specifically overexpress CuZnSOD to understand the role of CuZnSOD in neuronal aging. The human CuZnSOD transgene expression was stable during aging. The increased CuZnSOD activity in the brain (1.9-fold) of transgenic mice resulted in an enhanced rate of basal lipid peroxidation and in increased MnSOD activity in the 3 age groups. Other antioxidant enzymes did not exhibit modifications indicating the independence of the regulation between CuZnSOD and glutathione-related enzymes probably due to their different cellular localization in the brain.     

Effect of lactation induction on milk production and composition,oxidative and antioxidant status,and biochemical variables

This study aimed to induce lactation in Lacaune sheep and to verify its influence on milk production and composition, oxidative/antioxidant profile, and biochemical variables in serum and milk. A group of ewes (group A, n?=?7) was induced with estradiol (0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and progesterone (1.25 mg/kg BW) on days 1 to 7, bovine somatotropin (BST; 250 mg/animal) on days 11 and 40, as well as dexamethasone (16 mg/day) on days 19, 20, and 21. For comparison, another group of pregnant ewes was used as control (group B, n?=?5). Blood and milk samples were collected for biochemical analysis, oxidative/antioxidant profile analysis, and determination of individual volume and chemical composition. The hormonal protocol was effective to induce lactation; however, milk production was 79 % lower than the control group. Milk fat, protein, and total solids were significantly lower (p?<?0.05) in group A when compared to group B. Hormonal induction caused changes in blood components such as increased amounts of albumin, ALT, and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and decreased urea compared to the control group. Seric antioxidant levels (ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), group A) were significantly increased, and reactive species of oxygen decreased dramatically compared to group B. Milk FRAP levels were lower in group A, and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) levels were higher compared to group B. Therefore, it was concluded that the protocol for lactation induction of Lacaune ewes was not effective in the biochemical change in blood and milk.     

Protective effect of Azadirachta indica extract against Eimeria papillata-induced coccidiosis

Coccidiosis in poultry is caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Eimeria, which is responsible for worldwide economic losses. The methanolic extract of Azadirachta indica (neem) leaves was used in vivo for its pharmacological, antioxidant, and anticoccidial properties. Four groups of mice were investigated. The first group was inoculated only with sterile saline and served as the control group. The second group was treated by oral gavage with neem extract (500 mg/kg) daily for 4 days. The third and fourth groups were infected with 10³ sporulated oocysts of Eimeria papillata. The fourth group was also treated once daily with neem extract for 4 days. Paraffin sections from the jejunum as well as jejunal homogenate were prepared for the histopathological and biochemical investigations, respectively. The data showed that mice infected with E. papillata revealed an output of 6.5?×?10⁵?±?29,753 oocysts per gram feces on day?4 postinoculation. This output is significantly decreased to 2.7?×?10⁵?±?37,341 oocysts in neem-treated mice. Infection with E. papillata induced marked histopathological alterations in the jejunum in the form of inflammation, vacuolation of the epithelium, and destruction of some villi. Also, the neem extract greatly diminished body weight loss of infected mice. Moreover, the number of goblet cells stained with Alcian blue within the infected villi was significantly lowered (P?≤?0.05). In addition, E. papillata enhanced lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide production in both serum and jejunum with concomitant reduction in glutathione. Neem induced marked improvements in all of the studied parameters as well as the histopathological features of the jejunum. Our study revealed that neem as a natural product has protective effects against E. papillata-induced coccidiosis.     

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of ferulic acid against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant potential of ferulic acid against acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice. Hepatotoxicity was induced in mice by single dose of acetaminophen (900 mg/kg body weight i.p.). Ferulic acid (80 mg/kg body weight i.p.) and silymarin (25 mg/kg/body weight i.p.) were administered 30 min after the injection of acetaminophen. After 4 h, the mice were killed; liver markers (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) were estimated in serum, while the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and glutathione) were determined in liver homogenate. Liver markers (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin) and lipid peroxidation levels were found to be increased in mice exposed to acetaminophen, whereas the antioxidant status was found to be depleted compared to that of the control group. However, ferulic acid administration (80 mg/kg body weight i.p.) to acetaminophen-intoxicated mice significantly reverse (p?<?0.05) the above-mentioned changes similar to the positive drug silymarin as evidenced in liver histology. The results clearly exhibit that ferulic acid possesses promising hepatoprotective potential.     

Oleuropein attenuates cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by some anesthetic drugs in the hippocampal area of rats

The present study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of oleuropein against oxidative stress in the hippocampal area of rats. We used seven experimental groups as follows: Control, Propofol, Propofol-Ketamine (Pro.-Ket.), Xylazine-Ketamine (Xyl.-Ket.), and three oleuropein-pretreated groups (Ole.-Pro., Ole.-Pro.-Ket. and Ole.-Xyl.-Ket.). The oleuropein-pretreated groups received oleuropein (15 mg/kg body weight as orally) for 10 consecutive days. Propofol 100 mg/kg, xylazine 3 mg/kg, and ketamine 75 mg/kg once as ip was used on the 11th day of treatment. Spatial memory impairment and antioxidant status of hippocampus were measured via Morris water maze, lipid peroxidation marker, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Spatial memory impairment and lipid peroxidation significantly increased in Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats in comparison to the control, propofol, Ole.-Pro. and Ole.-Pro.-Ket. groups. Oleuropein pretreatment significantly reversed spatial memory impairment and lipid peroxidation in the Ole.-Xyl.-Ket. group as compared to the Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats. There was no significant difference between the control and the propofol group in lipid peroxidation and spatial memory status. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities both significantly decreased in Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats when compared to the control, propofol, Ole.-Pro., Ole.-Pro.-Ket., and Ole.-Xyl.-Ket. groups. In contrast, glutathione peroxidase activity in Xyl.-Ket.-treated rats significantly increased as compared to the control, propofol, Pro.-Ket., Ole.-Pro., and Ole.-Pro.-Ket. groups. We concluded that xylazine in combination with ketamine is an oxidative anesthetic drug and oleuropein pretreatment attenuates cognitive dysfunction and oxidative stress induced by anesthesia in the hippocampal area of rats. We also confirmed the antioxidant properties of propofol as a promising antioxidant anesthetic agent.